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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-13 USS VIRGINIA

Radio Call Sign: November - Victor - Romeo


Virginia Class Battleship: Displacement 14,948 Tons, Dimensions, 441' 3" (oa) x 76' 3" x 26' (Max), Armament 4 x 12"/40 8 x 8"/40, 12 x 6"/50 12 x 3"/50, 4 21" tt. Armor, 11" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 9" Conning Tower. Machinery, 19,000 IHP; 2 vertical, inverted, triple expansion engines, 2 screws. Speed, 19 Knots, Crew 812.

The following analysis is by historian Chuck Haberlein, formerly of the Naval Historical Center:
According to "Register of Ships of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1990" (by Stephen S. Roberts & K. Jack Bauer), three of the BB-13 class had their names changed on 7 March 1901 (before any of them were laid down). Battleship # 13 was originally named New Jersey. Battleship # 14 was originally to be Pennsylvania, and Battleship # 16 was to be Virginia. After the renamings, Virginia and New Jersey had swapped places, Nebraska (originally intended for Armored Cruiser # 4) swapped ships with Pennsylvania. Again, according to that book: "The construction of the first two ships (ie BBs 13 & 14) was delayed because of Congressional limitations on the price that could be paid for armor plate and because of lengthy debates within the navy on the arrangement of the guns" (presumably the superposed 8"/12" turrets). (my comments are in parentheses). Same book's Armored Cruiser # 4 class entry states: "The refusal of manufacturers to sell armor within the price limits set by Congress delayed the ships' construction." Both classes (BB-13 & ACR-4) were originally authorized in Fiscal Year 1900, but the first of them were not laid down until 7 August 1901 (Pennsylvania, as Armored Cruiser # 4) and 31 August 1901 (Georgia, as Battleship # 15). It looks to me like there may have been some political log rolling involved in the renamings. PERHAPS (this is purely a guess) some Pennsylvania politicos wanted "their" name on a ship ASAP, so it was given to the first available keel. Then again, maybe builder location had something to do with it. Cramp built Armored Cruiser # 4, while none of the Virginia class battleships were built in Pennsylvania.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, 21 May 1902. Launched 5 April 1904. Commissioned 7 May 1906. Decommissioned 13 August 1920. Stricken 12 July 1922. Transferred to War Department, 6 August 1923.
Fate: Sunk as target by Army Air Corps off Diamond Shoals, North Carolina, 5 September 1923.
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SizeImage DescriptionContributed
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Keel Laying / Commissioning
1902 - 1906

BB-13 VirginiaNRBIGGEST OF ALL BATTLESHIPS: The Pennsylvania.
When Completed Will Be by Far the Most Dangerous War Vessel in the World.
DECK PLAN OF THE BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA, SHOWING THE HEAVY AND LIGHT BATTERIES.
Two 12 and Two 8-Inch Guns in Each Turret. With One Coaling Could Steam to London and Return.
Of the new battleships there will be three. The Georgia (BB-15) and the New Jersey (BB-16) will be the other two ships built upon the same model.
Image and text provided by Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul, MN.
Photo from The Saint Paul Globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 14 January 1900, Image 19, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
ARKANSAS NR THE UNITED STATES MUST BUILD MORE MEN-OF-WAR.
WARSHIPS TO BE BUILT BY THE UNITED STATES, ILLUSTRATION SHOWING THE $250,000,000 ADDITION TO THE NAVY

Name and Type. knots.
1 Kearsarge, battleship, 17
2 Kentucky, battleship, 17
3 Georgia, battleship, 19
4 New Jersey, battleship, 19
5 Pennsylvania, battleship, 19
6 Illinois, battleship, 17
7 Wisconsin, battleship, 17
8 Alabama, battleship, 17
9 Missouri, battleship, 18
10 Ohio, battleship, 18
11 Maine, battleship, 18
12 Plunger, submarine torpedo boat, 8
13 West Virginia, armored cruiser, 22
14 Nebraska, armored cruiser, 22
15 California, armored cruiser 22
16 Arkansas, monitor, 12
17 Connecticut, monitor, 12
18 Florida, monitor, 12
19 Wyoming, monitor, 12
20 Albany, sheathed protected cruiser, 20
21 Denver, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
22 Des Moines, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
23 Chattanooga, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
24 Galveston, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
25 Tacoma, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
26 Cleveland, sheathed protected cruiser, 17
27 Unnamed gunboat for lake service
28 Stringham, torpedo boat, 30
29 Goldsborough, torpedo boat, 30
30 Bailey, torpedo boat, 30
31 Bagley, torpedo boat, 28
32 Barney, torpedo boat, 28
33 Blakely, torpedo boat, 26
34 De Long, torpedo boat, 26
35 Nicholson, torpedo boat, 26
36 Blddle, torpedo boat, 28
37 O'Brien, torpedo boat, 26
38 Shubrick, torpedo boat, 26
39 Stockton, torpedo boat, 26
40 Thornton, torpedo boat, 26
41 Tingey, torpedo boat, 26
42 Wilkes, torpedo boat, 26.5
43 Dahlgren, torpedo boat, 30
44 T. A. M. Craven, torpedo, boat, 30
45 Chesapeake, training vessel for naval academy
46 Bainbridge, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
47 Barry, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
48 Chauncey, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
49 Dale, torpedo boat destroyer, 28
50 Decatur, torpedo boat destroyer, 28
51 Paul Jones, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
52 Perry, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
53 Preble, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
54 Stewart, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
55 Truxton, torpedo boat destroyer, 30
56 Whipple, torpedo boat destroyer, 30
57 Worden, torpedo boat destroyer, 30
58 Hopkins, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
59 Hull, torpedo boat destroyer, 29
60 Lawrence, torpedo boat destroyer, 30
61 Macdonough, torpedo boat destroyer, 30
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA,
Photo from The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 06 May 1900, Image 26, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia1.03kFLOATING FORTRESSES.
THREE NEW BATTLESHIPS TO BE THE MOST FORMIDABLE IN THE WORLD
The States of Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia will have the task of settling among them which are to assume the sponsorship of these vessels.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 16 September 1900, Image 20, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 VirginiaNRSPLENDID NEW BATTLESHIPS TO BE BUILT FOR UNCLE SAM
DESIGN OF NEW SISTER BATTLESHIPS VIRGINIA (BB-13) AND RHODE ISLAND (BB-17)
From the Navy Department Print. Reproduced for the First Time on This Coast.
Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside;
Photo from The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 26 October 1900, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia577kTHE NEW BATTLESHIP PENNSYLVANIA.
ONE OF FIVE TO BE BUILT FROM IDENTICAL PLANS AND FOR WHICH BIDS HAVE BEEN ASKED.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from The Star.(Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 19 December 1900, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia666kDEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN NAVY.
The final and up to date picture of the series shows the first class battleship Pennsylvania of the Virginia class, the designs for which are being completed by the Bureau of Construction and Repair.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 09 March 1902, Magazine Features, Image 36, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-10 Maine
011060
5.62k A modern battleship, with every part numbered and named, circa 1904.Photo from the Library of Congress. Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ppmsca-58681.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia1.46kTHE BATTLESHIP VIRGINIA (BB-13)
The finest battleship in the United States navy will bear the name Virginia, and the Old Dominion may feel justly proud when this magnificent engine of destruction takes her place among the greatest fighting machines of the nations. This splendid ship is to be launched at Newport News on April 6th, and will be one of the most formidable vessels in the world when she is completed. She is to be a seagoing coast line battleship, and of a type that is regarded by naval authorities as the strongest conceived for hard knocks at the hands of an enemy, and of a type also which is believed to be the most effective in dealing blows to an adversary.
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 28 February 1904, Image 13, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia NR AMERICA'S LATEST AND GREATEST BATTLESHIP.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune.(New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 25 March 1904, Image 1, Image 13, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia NR THOUSANDS OF VIRGINIANS WILL CHEER WHEN THE VIRGINIA (BB-13) LEAVES THE WAYS. Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 03 April 1904, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 VirginiaNRBATTLESHIP VIRGINIA (BB-13) TAKES INITIAL PLUNGE.
Little Miss Montague, Daughter of Governor Christens Vessel.
BRILLIANT ASSEMBLAGE VIEWS THE LAUNCHING.
Latest Addition fo Navy Will Have Speed of Nineteen Knots
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 05 April 1904, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB 13
011304s
1.05k Scan of a postcard depicting the 1904 christening of the Virginia (BB-13). Her sponsor was Miss Gay Montague, daughter of the governor of Virginia. She returned to the Newport News shipyard 70 years later to serve as the Matron of Honor at the launching of the Virginia (DLGN/CGN 38). I had the pleasure of meeting her on that occasion. She was pretty cool and told of how some bricks on the Governor's Mansion still have chips missing from where she practiced the christening. Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
BB-13 Virginia229kCommemorative postal cover published by Mrs. Alice W. Morton, of Newport News, Virginia. Thousands line the launching ramps to witness the Virginia (BB-13) sliding into the James River on 5 April 1904. Photo courtesy of greatwhitefleet.info, by William Stewart.
BB-13 VirginiaNRHAIL TO VIRGINIA'S MAMMOTH SHIP OF WAR,THE SPLENDID NAMESAKE OF A GREAT STATE
SCENE AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE BATTLESHIP VIRGINIA (BB-13).
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 06 April 1904, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Newport News S&DD100kNewport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Newport News, Virginia. Photograph of the shipyard's waterfront, showing warships fitting out circa mid-1904, published on a color-tinted postal card by the Detroit Publishing Company.
Virginia (BB-13), is in the foreground. Those in the left background are West Virginia (ACR-5) and Maryland (ACR-8), one with four smokestacks installed and the other with three.
Note the large number of sailing vessels in the right distance, and the message (dated 15 October 1906) written in the card's margins.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 100748-KN. Courtesy of Carter Rila, 1986.
BB-34 New York506kSpray and seas part for the Virginia (BB-13) during her trials, late 1905. Photo # Lot-3288-234, photographed by Nathaniel L. Stubbins, 1905. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
Trials
011305t
2.03k VIRGINIA (BB-13) ON HER TRIAL TRIP. This photo was taken while she was steaming over nineteen knots. Photo by N.L. Stebbins, 1906, from loc.gov courtesy of Joe Reese.
Virginia 380k Postcard of the Virginia (BB-13). Photo courtesy N.L. Stebbins via Arnold A. Putnam.
BB-13 VirginiaNRVIRGINIA (BB-13) FASTEST BATTLESHIP IN UNITED STATES NAVY
VIRGINIA BUILT WAR VESSEL DEVELOPS 19.734 KNOTS ON TRIAL
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 22 November 1905, Last Edition, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Oyster Bay1.20kAN IMPOSING SPECTACLE
Birds-eye View Showing Position of Fleet in Naval Review at Oyster Bay.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo & text by The Salt Lake Herald. (Salt Lake City [Utah) 1870-1909, 04 September 1906, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia518kVirginia (BB-13) firing a salute to President Theodore Roosevelt, during the Naval Review at Oyster Bay, New York, 2-4 September 1906. The ship is dressed with flags, and her crew is manning the rails in the President's honor. Photo mounted on a stereographic card, published by the H.C. White Company.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 85676
BB-13 VirginiaNRBIG BATTLESHIPS JOIN FIGHTING FLEET NOW ANCHORED IN HAVANA HARBOR
VIRGINIA (BB-13) AND THE LOUISIANA (BB-19) FROWN ON MORO
Sea Giants Now Assembled With Others to Arrive Can Land 5000 Men on Cuban Soil If Necessary
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 21 September 1906, Last Edition, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 VirginiaNRSILVER SERVICE FOR BATTLESHIP Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from The Times Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, Image 3, 27 November 1906, & Image 1, 16 December 1906, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 VirginiaNRVIRGINIA (BB-13) RAMMED BY STEAMER MONROEImage and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by Daily Press. (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 04 November 1906, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia2.08k Virginia (BB-13) in port, circa 1906-1907. Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 105570, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center. Collection of Warren Beltramini, donated by Beryl Beltramini, 2007.
Almost Unknown592kCirca 1907 photograph of US Navy battleships of the Maine, Virginia & Connecticut -classes & other units of the Atlantic fleet at a Naval Review off Old Point Comfort.
Photographed by William H. Rau, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, courtesy of the Library of Congress & National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
Hampton Roads
011557
1.45k U. S. Naval display, Hampton Roads, Jamestown, Virginia.
Postcard shows battleships in the Great White Fleet surrounded by smaller craft at Hampton, Virginia. Ships include the Georgia (BB-15), Maine (BB-10), Indiana (BB-1), Rhode Island (BB-17), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), Ohio (BB-12), Minnesota (BB-22), Alabama (BB-8), Louisiana (BB-19), Iowa (BB-4), Tennessee (ACR-10), Connecticut (BB-18), Kearsarge (BB-5), Illinois (BB-7) and Kentucky (BB-6).
Photo & Copyright 1907 by W. N. Jennings, Phila., via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ds-02684 (digital file from left half of original item) LC-DIG-ds-02744 (digital file from right half of original item)
BB-13 VirginiaNRGREATEST AMERICAN FLEET
EVER ASSEMBLED IN TIME OFPEACE OR WAR UNDER ONE COMMANDER
Great Fighting Sea Monsters At Anchor in Hampton Roads for Spectacular Contrast of U.S. Engines of War With Foreign Countries Death - Dealing Machines and for Most Powerful and Terrible Peace Plea
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 21 April 1907, Magazine Section, Image 47, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia31k Virginia (BB-13) crewman Nathaniel Dennis lowering a torpedo during practice, circa 1907. Courtesy of Randall Drum.
BB-18 Connecticut NR Wireless Telephones For Battleships Permit Admiral To Talk To All Ships With Boundless Ocean As Transmitter
HELLO, CAPTAINS! THIS IS EVANS!"
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo courtesy of The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 14 October 1907, Last Edition, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia 2.06k INSTALL WIRELESS PHONES IN THE ATLANTIC SQUADRON PLAN OF THE NAVY EXPERTS
Battleship Virginia (BB-13) on Which a Test of the Wireless Telephone Is Being Made
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 21 October 1907, Last Edition, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet Cruise
BB-13 Virginia class236kStarboard side view of a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship and other ships all decked out with flags flying, possibly in Hampton Roads, Virginia, at the start of the "Great White Fleet" cruise around the world in December 1907. USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri. Photo i.d. courtesy of Erich Coiner.
Hard-Hat Diver 72k "Hard-Hat" Diver descending from the stern of a launch alongside a battleship, circa 1907-1908. Note the 6"/50 broadside gun mounted in the battleship's hull side.
This ship is either Indiana class (BB-1 /3) or Maine class (BB-10 / 12) or Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship.
This view may have been taken during the "Great White Fleet" World cruise.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106072. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
BB-13 Virginia1.26kBATTLESHIP VIRGINIA (BB-13) PASSING OUT ON WAY TO JOIN FLEET IN HAMPTON ROADS
The accompanying picture was taken from the Brooklyn bridge and shows the Virginia as she was steaming seaward on route to Hampton Roads where she will join Admiral Evans Pacific "Fight or Frolic" Fleet.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from Deseret Evening News. (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 18 December 1907, Last Edition, Image 8, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route to be taken by the Atlantic Fleet's battleships and their associated Torpedo Flotilla, from their December 1907 departure from Hampton Roads, Virginia, until their planned arrival at San Francisco, California, in the spring of 1908. Text below the chart indicates that it was published in mid-December 1907.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106219. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
Great White Fleet 15.4k The "Great White Fleet" steaming in column, probably while departing Hampton Roads, Virginia, at the start of their cruise around the World, December 1907. Kansas (BB-21) is at left, followed by Vermont (BB-20). USN photo # N-0000X-001 courtesy of navy.mil. Photographed by C.E. Waterman, Hampton, Va. via Bob Canchola
BB-18 Connecticut83kProminent "Great White Fleet" Officers appear in this photo. From left to right & top to bottom:
First row: Captain McCrea, Captain Bartlett, Captain Kossuth Niles, of Louisiana (BB-19); Captain Hugo Osterhaus, of Connecticut (BB-18) & Captain Ingersoll.
Second row: Captain John M. Bowyer, of Illinois (BB-7); Captain Joseph B. Murdock, of Rhode Island (BB-17); Admiral Bob Evans; Admiral Potter, & Admiral Schroder.
Third row: Captain Alexander Sharp, of Virginia (BB-13); Captain Veeder, Captain Murrell, Admiral Wainwright, & Admiral Vaher.
Photo printed on a stereographic card, copyrighted by Underwood & Underwood, courtesy of Warren McLean.
Image and text provided by University of Oregon, Knight Library; Eugene, OR.
Photo & text by Daily Capital Journal. (Salem, Or.) 1903-1919, 25 May 1908, Image 7, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-18 Connecticut99kCommanding officers of most of the fleet's ships, photographed in 1908. Those present include (Seated, left to right): Captain Hugo Osterhaus, of Connecticut (BB-18); Captain Kossuth Niles, of Louisiana (BB-19); Captain William P. Potter, of Vermont (BB-20); Captain John Hubbard, of Minnesota (BB-22); Captain Joseph B. Murdock, of Rhode Island (BB-17); Captain Charles E. Vreeland, of Kansas (BB-21).
Standing, left to right): Captain Hamilton Hutchins, of Kearsarge (BB-5); Captain Frank E. Beatty, of Wisconsin (BB-9); Captain Reginald F. Nicholson, of Nebraska (BB-14); Captain Thomas B. Howard, of Ohio (BB-12); Captain William H.H. Southerland, of New Jersey (BB-16); Captain Walter C. Cowles, of Kentucky (BB-6); Captain John M. Bowyer, of Illinois (BB-7); Captain Alexander Sharp, of Virginia (BB-13); Lieutenant Commander Charles B. McVay, of Yankton.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 59552.
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 29 January 1907 departure from Trinidad until their arrival at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 12 January 1908. It emphasizes the offshore course taken to avoid strong westerly currents off the northeastern coast of South America.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106221. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
G. Dall'aros1.39kU.S. Atlantic Fleet Battleships at Anchor. Painting by G. Dall'aros, 1908, depicting three battleships of the "Great White Fleet" in a Brazilian anchorage, January 1908. One of the battleships has a collier alongside. The Brazilian cruiser Admirante Tamandare is in the left foreground. Courtesy of Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf, 1977.
USN photo # NH 85503-KN courtesy of the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
John Charles Roach2.12k"Great White Fleet" Painting by John Charles Roach, 1984, depicting U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming at sea during their 1907-1909 World cruise.USN photo # NH 95513-KN courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph via the Library of Congress, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.
Great White Fleet129kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the movements of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 8 February 1908 passage of the western part of the Straits of Magellan until their arrival at Callao, Peru, on 20 February 1908.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106227b. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
Fleet at Long Beach 507k The fleet at San Diego, Calif., 5, May 1908.
What looks like two Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships to the left; a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship in the center with what might be three other Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships in the immediate distance; two Illinois class (BB-7 / 9) battleships are on the right corner, behind them are the two Kearsarge class (BB-5 / 6) battleships and a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) or Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleship in the right corner of the photo.
Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33626,by W. D. Lambert; submitted by Tom Kermen.
BB-18 Connecticut185kMAGDELENA BAY, WHERE THE FLEET ASSEMBLES FOR TARGET PRACTICE.
INTENSE RIVALRY OF CREWS IN MAKING NEW RECORDS WITH THE BIG GUNS

Seven inch gun drill aboard the Connecticut (BB-18) in Magdalena Bay, Mexico on 12 March 1908.
PDF Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside;
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 29 March 1908, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-18 Connecticut3.71kUnited States fleet, San Francisco Bay. Photo pan 6a33217 courtesy of loc.gov via Detroit Photographic Company.
BB-5 Kearsarge 573k Atlantic Fleet entering Golden Gate 6th May 1908. Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33669, from the Panoramic View Co., Chas. Z. Bailey, Mgr., Los Angeles, Cal. submitted by Tom Kermen.
BB-13 Virginia1.10k Virginia (BB-13) in a California port, 1908. The photo is from a collection called "California Reception to the Fleet 1908. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
BB-13 Virginia186k"Great White Fleet" in San Francisco Harbor, Virginia (BB-13) bow on view, 1908.USN photo / National Archives # 19-N-13360.
Naval Review in San Francisco Bay, 17 May 1908 155k Panoramic photograph by the Pillsbury Picture Company showing the review of the "Great White Fleet" on 17 May 1908 by Secretary of the Navy Victor A. Metcalf, embarked in Yorktown (PG-1), which is steaming toward the left in the right center of the image. Three destroyers are in the line nearest to the camera (from left to center), with either Hopkins (DD-6) or Hull (DD-7) in the center and Lawrence (DD-8) next astern. Eleven battleships are present, in the rows on the opposite side of Yorktown's course, and seven Pacific Fleet armored cruisers are in the most distant row. Photo # NH 105310, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
Great White Fleet 104k Post card welcoming the "Great White Fleet" to Australia, circa August-September 1908. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106181-KN. Courtesy of Mrs. Ruth Mayfield, 1973.
BB-13 Virginia56k Starboard side view of the Virginia (BB-13) during the World Cruise of the "Great White Fleet" in Sydney Harbor, Australia, in late August 1908.Photo courtesy of Warren McLean.
Almost Unknown NR AMERICAN SAILORS LANDING FROM THE BATTLESHIPS AT MELBOURNE
Note the V on the bow of the boats, indicating that they are from the Virginia (BB-13).
Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.
Photo from The Pacific Commercial Advertiser. (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 25 October 1908, SECOND SECTION, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
GWF901kTHE ATLANTIC FLEET OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
From Official Bulletin of Bureau of Navigation showing the Vessels off the Port of Callao practicing the Gridiron maneuver. This is considered by Naval authorities to be the most dangerous evolution in steam tactics and its improper execution caused the loss of HMS Victoria with 798 men in 1893.
Picture faithfully represents the entire Fleet in official formation and vessels can be identified by numbers corresponding to table appended:
First Division
1. Connecticut (BB-18), Flagship, 2. Kansas (BB-21), 3. Vermont (BB-20), 4. Louisiana (BB-19),
Second Division
5. Georgia (BB-15), Flagship, 6. New Jersey (BB-16), 7. Rhode Island (BB-17), 8. Virginia (BB-13),
18 Torpedo Flotilla
Whipple (DD-15), Truxtun (DD-14), Lawrence (DD-8), Stewart (DD-13), Hopkins (DD-6) & Hull (DD-7)
Third Division
9. Minnesota (BB-22), Flagship, 10. Ohio (BB-12), 11. Missouri (BB-11), 12. Maine (BB-10)
17. Yankton {Special Dispatch Tender}
Fourth Division
13. Alabama (BB-8), Flagship 14. Illinois (BB-7), 15. Kearsarge (BB-5), 16. Kentucky (BB-6)
19. Auxiliaries
Glacier, [refrigerating ship], Panther,[repair ship], Culgoa, [store-ship] & Arethusa,[torpedo flotilla tender].
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The National Tribune. (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 24 September 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet 100k View from the Louisiana (BB-19) looking at the Virginia (BB-13) "going into a heavy swell" during the fleet's cruise around the world while steaming from the Philippines to Yokohama, Japan, in October 1908. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 105995, photographed by Brown & Shaffer. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Great White Fleet 66k View from the Louisiana (BB-19) looking at the Virginia (BB-13) "taking one over her bow" during the fleet's cruise around the world while steaming from the Philippines to Yokohama, Japan, in October 1908. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 105996, photographed by Brown & Shaffer. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Virginia 383k Postcard showing the Virginia (BB-13) in a night view in 1908. Photo courtesy of Arnold A. Putnam.
Great White Fleet 100k Postcard published in Japan to commemorate the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's visit there in October 1908. This card features pictures of the Fleet's sixteen battleships, plus images of three Japanese ladies, plus flags and symbols of the United States and Japan. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106114-KN. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Amoy, China114kBattleships of the Second Squadron, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, saluting during their visit to Amoy, China, circa 30 October - 5 November 1908.
The U.S. Ships are anchored in line of Divisions, with the Third Division closest to the camera. Louisiana (BB-19), flagship of the Second Squadron and Third Division, is partially visible at the far right. Astern of her in the same line are Virginia (BB-13) (right center) and Missouri (BB-11) (left center).
The Fourth Division is anchored just beyond the Third Division's line. Wisconsin (BB-9), Fourth Division flagship, is toward the right [between Virginia and Louisiana]. Astern of her (in no particular order) are Kearsarge (BB-5) and Kentucky (BB-6).
The four gray ships, in the most distant line, all appear to be Chinese cruisers.
Naval History and Heritage Command photograph # NH 106148. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Pacific Fleet
011509p
1.20k The Pacific Fleet on its visit to Portland, Oregon showing the Georgia (BB-15), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), and Rhode Island (BB-17) battleships underway, circa 30 December 1908. Photo contributed by the Keystone View Company via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-stereo-1s14833.
Great White Fleet 71k One of the Fleet's Sailors checking his funds, perhaps preparing to pay for a camel ride. Photographed at Ephesus in January 1909, when ships of the Fleet's Third Division, Louisiana (BB-19), Missouri (BB-11), Ohio (BB-12) & Virginia (BB-13) visited Turkey. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106136. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
BB-13 Virginia335kThe cage mast, seen here possibly aboard the Virginia (BB-13), circa 1909, was the single most visible symbol of the revolution in fire control led by reformers such as Admiral William S. Sims.
This is a mainmast. Note the mesh platforms within the mast, and the ladders projecting up through it, leading to the circular fire control platform at the top.
Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-13 Virginia 601k Virginia (BB-13) & Atlantic Fleet Battleships entering Norfolk VA. Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-13 Virginia175k Photo taken after post world cruise modifications in 1909. New range finder atop her foremast and the bridge relocated to the top of her conning tower.Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.
BB-13 Virginia1.01kVirginia (BB-13) in the Hudson River for the Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 25 September - 9 October 1909. Photo det 4a16088 courtesy of loc.gov via Detroit Photographic Company.
 Hudson-
Fulton Celebration 805k Panoramic view of battleships in the Hudson River for the Hudson-Fulton Celebration, 25 September - 9 October 1909. Photo det pan 6a16597 courtesy of loc.gov via Detroit Photographic Company.
1910's
Atlantic Fleet 588k Virginia (BB-13) with awning on her stern & an E on an 8"/40 gun in 1910. National Archives Identifier: 45512837
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-64
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-16 New Jersey 416k Nebraska (BB-14), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), North Carolina (ACR-12), and Maine (BB-10), circa 1910 - 1915, at anchor, location unknown. Bain News Service, publisher. George Grantham Bain Collection. Forms part of: George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress). This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ggbain.09966. LCCN2104689950, via Robert Hurst.
BB-13 Virginia 1.91k Underway, circa 1910-13. National Archives Identifier: 45512832
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-62
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba62kPanoramic image (made from two individual views), showing U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships and auxiliaries in Guantanamo Bay, circa the early or middle 1910s.
Ships present include (in left half of image): four Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleships, one South Carolina class (BB-26 / 27) battleship, one Delaware class (BB-28 / 29) battleship, two unidentified auxiliaries and a collier; (in right half of image): all six Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships, both Mississippi class (BB-23 / 24) battleships, two unidentified auxiliaries, hospital ship Solace (AH-2) and a gunboat.
Naval History and Heritage Command # NH 104537. Photo from the 1909-1924 album of Vice Admiral Olaf M. Hustvedt, USN (Retired). Courtesy of Rick Hauck, 2006.
BB-13 Virginia501kPhoto of the Mk.V double (12in and 8in) turret of the Virginia (BB-13). Photo & text scanned from Naval Weapons of World War One, by Norman Friedman, Published in Great Britain by Seaforth Publishing via Robert Hurst.
BB-13 Virginia374kRecruits from the Georgia (BB-15) & Virginia (BB-13) going through their morning exercises, circa 1910's.Photo by International Film Service
National Archives Identifier: 45510388
Local Identifier: 165-WW-323B-006.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Atlantic Fleet1.10kSailors from the battleships mob mixed in New York harbor for review by President Taft and Secretary of the Navy Meyer in a boat race. The crew from the Georgia (BB-15) is leading, the Virginia (BB-13) second and the Missouri (BB-11) third.
A launch from the North Dakota (BB-29) is in the foreground.
Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo by The Mathews Journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 09 November 1911, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia93kUnderway, circa 1910-13. Note the searchlight battery between funnels #1 and 2. Only the Virginia (BB-13) and the New Jersey (BB-16) of this five ship class had this feature.Photo courtesy of Winford Wheeler Wilborg.
Partial text courtesy of Mike Smolinski.
BB-13 Virginia128kTorpedoes on deck of a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) class battleship in 1911.Library of Congress photo # LC-USZ62-103266, Copyright by N. Moser.
Various Views of the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson
Review
012173m
4.51k Mobilization of Atlantic Fleet at New York, 12 - 15 October 1912. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173
1.36k U.S. Battleship Fleet during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson.
The nearest ship half visible on the right is the New Hampshire (BB-25) based on the distinctive half-cased stacks. The two sister ships behind her are not clear enough to specifically ID. The fourth ship is one of the Mississippi class, but again, not clear enough to ID.
Photo i.d. via Richard M. Jensen.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173d
1.38k Small boats join during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Almost UnknownNRSCENE OF UNUSUAL BEAUTY WHEN FLEET AND SHORE WERE ILLUMINATED BY MANY THOUSANDS OF FLAMING ELECTRIC BULBS
NEW YORK, Oct. 16—Pen cannot describe and even photography is inadequate in depicting the splendor of the scene at night during the visit of the fleet to this city. Thousands and thousands of electric lights were hung along Riverside drive, which parallels the Hudson river for miles, and all of the vessels in the fleet were outlined by lines of gleaming lamps. In the accompanying picture the soldiers’ and sailors’ monument appears in the foreground with the curved line of Riverside drive at the left. Several battleships are shown in the river, with the lights on the New Jersey shore in the distance.
Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Democratic Banner.(Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 18 October 1912, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Target Rafts 131k Towing Target # 23, after being hit by gunfire from Virginia (BB-13) during Atlantic Fleet gunnery practice, circa 1913. Photographed by Sargent, probably from Rhode Island (BB-17). U.S. Naval Historical Center Photo # NH 101078, from the album of Francis Sargent; Courtesy of Commander John Condon, 1986 via Robert Hurst.
BB 14NRMap Showing Where Warships Are Going
The battleship Virginia (BB-13) is hurrying to Tampico and the battleships Vermont (BB-20), Nebraska (BB-14) and Georgia (BB-15) to Veracruz.
Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 13 February 1913, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Virginia 214k The Virginia (BB-13) with a "bone" in her teeth.
A post card (rppc) postmarked, 12 Aug P.M., 1913". With senders message, "Dear Friend, this is the picture of my ship Virginia. Sam. She was at full steam, with flags flying from her Cage Masts. The photograph appears to be contemporary with the postmark date.
Photo by J. W. Dawson, from the collection of Charles R. Munson.
BB-13 Virginia 912k United States Battleship Guns Trained on Tuxpam!
Battleship Virginia (BB-13) Stationed Off City Ready For Action
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 24 November 1913, LAST AND HOME EDITION, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-16 New Jersey701kGUNS OF UNCLE SAM'S FLEET FROWN ON CITY OF VERACRUZ
Watching the mobilising of U. S. fleet in the harbor of Veracruz, Mexico
American battleships for many weeks have lain in the harbor of Veracruz, Mexico, ready to protect American interests or to seize the city on a moment's notice should intervention on the part of the United States be necessary. Veracruz is Mexico's largest port city. The battleships New Jersey (BB-16), Michigan (BB-27), Virginia (BB-13), Louisiana (BB-19) and Rhode Island (BB-17) are now anchored there.
Photo by Underwood & Underwood.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo by The Ogden Standard. Ogden City, Utah) 1913-1920, 02 December 1913, 4 o'clock p.m. City Edition, Image 1.
Insert PDF Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Tacoma Times. (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 12 December 1913, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Veracruz Incident
U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships1.15k U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming toward Mexican waters in 1914. Photograph copyrighted in 1914 by E. Muller, Jr., and Pach.
The following battleships that were dispatched to Mexican waters included the:
Ohio (BB-12), Virginia (BB-13), Nebraska (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15), New Jersey (BB-16), Rhode Island (BB-17), Connecticut (BB-18), Louisiana (BB-19), Vermont (BB-20), Kansas (BB-21), Minnesota (BB-22), Mississippi (BB-23), Idaho (BB-24), New Hampshire (BB-25), South Carolina (BB-26), Michigan (BB-27), Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), Florida (BB-30), Utah (BB-31), Wyoming (BB-32), Arkansas (BB-33), New York (BB-34) & Texas (BB-35) .
In insets are (left to right):
Rear Admiral Henry T. Mayo,
Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher,
Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 60322.
BB-13 Virginia NR From actual photograph, 17 April 1914. Our Bluejackets loading Post Toasties on U. S. Flagship Virginia (BB-13), Rear Admiral Beatty commanding, at Charleston Navy Yard, preparatory to possible war with Mexico. Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. & The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation
Photo by The Public Ledger. (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 28 April 1914, Image 3, & The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 03 January 1915, FOURTH SECTION MAGAZINE SECTION, Image 24, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-17 Rhode Island729kPREPARATIONS ON BATTLESHIPS THAT STAYED AT HOME
Great activity is notieable on some of the big battleships that did not go to Mexico last week with the North Atlantic fleet. The vessels are being rapidly made ready for active service, and the battleships Rhode Island (BB-17), Nebraska (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15) and Virginia (BB-13) may leave at any moment. The accompanying picture shows a boatload of potatoes being taken to one of the battleships in New York harbor.
Image and text provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL.
Photo & text by Rock Island Argus.(Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 21 April 1914, HOME EDITION, Image 12, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia521kVirginia (BB-13) leaving the Boston Navy Yard for Mexican waters on 21 May 1914. Source: Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collections via Mike Green.
BB-13 Virginia322kSouthern belle steels into a Northern harbor.
Either the Virginia (BB-13) or Georgia (BB-15).
USN photo.
Photo #08_06_022767 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-13 Virginia926kVirginia (BB-13) - foreground, and Georgia (BB-15) - center background. Leaving the Boston Navy Yard for Veracruz, 23 April 1914. Constitution is at left. Photographed by F.A. George. The inset in top center is a photo of Captain Robert E. Coontz, Georgia's Commanding Officer. USN photo NH 61557 courtesy of history.navy.mil.
Virginia class 319k Virginia (BB-13) steams into Boston Harbor - East Boston waterfront in background. She is seen here sailing for Mexican waters. Photo #08_06_022774 & (insert) 08_06005040 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
Atlantic Fleet470kSailors on board the Virginia (BB-13) take a break from duty for some horseplay in 1914...Photos courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
BB-13 Virginia783k AMERICANS CLASH WITH MEXICANS AT VERACRUZ
The Virginia (BB-13) lying outside the harbor of Veracruz at the time that the U.S. government intervened in 1914... & Montana (ACR-13). The Montana is carrying the first 17 military dead from Veracruz, 11 May 1914.
Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-13 Virginia 820k REAR ADMIRAL BEATTY'S FLAGSHIP.
The Virginia (BB-13), Flagship of Rear Admiral Beatty, commander of the Third division of the Atlantic fleet, is now in Mexican waters. The photograph was taken as the Virginia was leaving Boston harbor, cheered by a multitude of spectators.
Image and text provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE.
Photo by Dakota County Herald. (Dakota City, Neb.) 1891-1965, 21 May 1914, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Insert photo # LC-B2-3057-12 from George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress) via flickr.com.
Virginia class 387k Big guns on Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship, Navy Yard. Photo #08_06_022796 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
Mid - Late 19 Teens / Early 20's
War Game 744k PRESIDENT WILL SEND UNITED STATES FLEET ON BIG WAR GAME
1. General view of warships in Hudson river.
2. Utah (BB-31).
3. Virginia (BB-13).
4. United States torpedo boat destroyer going at full speed.
5. Florida (BB-30), with sky line of New York city in the background.
6. Sailors aboard United States battleship.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The Washington Herald. (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 02 May 1915, PICTORIAL SECTION, Image 31, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic Fleet250k OUTLINED AGAINST A CURTAIN OF DARKNESS
A fleet of destroyers and torpedo-boats has now arrived at New York to join the heavy ships of the line. Altogether, about 50 vessels will be assembled when the ceremonies began next Monday. It is promised that the strained international relations will have no effect on the parade.
Photo by International News Service.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 May 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-14 Nebraska 985k Nebraska (BB-14) foreground with two other BB 13 class ships. Virginia (BB-13) precedes her with the Rhode Island (BB-17) (3 rings on her 1st 2 stacks) in the lead. Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
Photo by Enrique Mueller.
National Archives Identifier: 45513405
Local Identifier: 165-WW-337D-50.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-32 Wyoming539k"Ships of the Atlantic Fleet playing their searchlights at night along the Hudson River."USN photo by Underwood & Underwood, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.
Text courtesy of N.Y. Times 16 May 1915, Page 1.
Atlantic Fleet4.42k"The Atlantic Fleet saluting the President as it passed out to sea last Tuesday mid-day, with the New York skyline in the background."
The battleship Virginia (BB-13) is leading the ships shown in the photograph to the left, and is followed by the Rhode Island (BB-17), Nebraska (BB-14), Georgia (BB-15), New Hampshire (BB-25) and Louisiana (BB-19) in the order named.
Photo by International News Service, courtesy of memory.loc.gov. Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, 23 May 1915, Page 3.
PDF image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.
Photo by The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 19 May 1915, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-34 New York2.03k Watching U.S. Navy Atlantic fleet warships depart during the Naval Review at New York City, New York, 18 May 1915. Photo # Lot-11276-4 Collection of George Bain, from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-16 New JerseyNRWARLIKE SCENE AT CHARLESTON NAVY YARD
The commanders of the forty U. S. war vessels now lying in the Charleston navy yard are somewhat agitated by orders from Washington. These orders direct that none of the ships be laid up for repairs requiring more than 12 hours. All the officers have been ordered back to duty and orders have been issued to the enlisted men that they must remain within their home port.
In the group which shows the flag of three admirals are the Salem (CL-3), Chester (CL-1), Smith (DD-17) (torpedo boat), Patterson (DD-36) (torpedo boat) New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), Rhode Island (BB-17) Vestal (AR-4) (fleet tender) and Nebraska (BB-14).
Image and text provided by Indiana State Library.
Photo from South Bend News-Times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 02 May 1916, EVENING EDITION, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia548kVirginia (BB-13) leaving Boston Navy Yard in August, 1916. Crew is pulling lines aboard, plus a good view of the Virginia class superimposed turrets. Source: Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collections via Mike Green.
BB-13 Virginia543kThe Virginia's (BB-13) crew pose for a group picture in 1917 at Hampton Roads, Virginia. She served as a gunnery training ship out of Port Jefferson and Norfolk for the majority of 1917. Photo courtesy of greatwhitefleet.info, by William Stewart. Photographed by O.W. Waterman, Hampton, Virginia.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-13 VirginiaNRSTRONGEST MAN IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY AIDS RECRUITING
James White, of the battleship Virginia (BB-13), displaying his great strength to a crowd gathered around his recruiting tent in Boston Common.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 08 May 1917, Sports Extra, Pictorial Section, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB 13
011313
1.15k Underway prior to World War I, with her crew manning the rails. Photographed by O.W. Waterman, Hampton, Virginia.USN photo # NH 73323 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-13 Virginia1.15kPhotographed at anchor, circa 1918, after receiving World War I alterations, among them the removal of her after six-inch broadside guns.National Archives Identifier: 45512830
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-61
Photographer: E. Muller.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-13 Virginia411kCaptain William H. Standley having completed his assignment as the Commandant of Midshipmen for 11 months at the Naval Academy was reassigned soon after July 1919 to assume the command of the pre-dreadnought battleship Virginia (BB-13).
William H. Standley was appointed vice admiral on January 1932 while in command of the Battle Force's cruisers, Standley was placed in command of the Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, with the rank of admiral, on 20 May 1933. Breaking his flag in his former command, California (BB-44), the admiral remained at sea until 1 July 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him CNO.
Photo courtesy of the United States Naval Academy, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-13 Virginia72kVirginia (BB-13) arriving at Boston, Massachusetts, returning troops from Europe, 5 July 1919. Photographed with a rotating panoramic camera. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 76405.
L-boats 1.23k L-3 (SS-42) at Boston Navy Yard, circa 1918-20.
Above the dry dock is a three stacked battleship of the Virginia (BB-13 / 17) class. All of the battleships of this class were involved in returning the Doughboys back from "over there".
Photo # 08_06_023224 courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection via Sean Hert & flickr.com.
BB-13 Virginia NR GREAT DRY DOCK FORMALLY OPENED
As the prow of the battleship Virginia (BB-13) crossed the sill of the new Commonwealth dry dock in Boston, it struck a floral wreath stretched across from wall to wall, and as the huge fighting craft moved forward the chain of flowers snapped, officially opening the largest drydock of its kind in the world.
Image and text provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE.
Photo by The Red Cloud Chief. (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 15 January 1920, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 & 16
011316
1.80k Three views of the Boston Navy Yard, 1921. From left: sailing frigate Constitution, two submarines and a Bird class minesweeper, scout cruiser Chester (CS 1), battleships Virginia (BB-13) and New Jersey (BB-16), two unidentified auxiliaries, four destroyers, a tanker, two Denver class cruisers, and three more destroyers.NARA photo from Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas
File Unit: Massachusetts - Boston
Local ID: 18-AA-72-52
NAID: 23941505
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov courtesy of Theodore Leverett.
BB-28 Delaware 992k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa mid 1922.
From bottom up: Unknown tug boat, Floating Derrick # 35, Floating Workshop YR-16 , Constitution, receiving ship Southery (IX-26), unknown Armored Cruiser, battleship of the Virginia class {either the Virginia (BB-13) or the New Jersey (BB-16)}, nest of destroyers, identifiable is the Lamson (DD-328) and what appears to be Kalk (DD-170); the battleship Delaware (BB-28) is at the top of the photo.
Photo i.d. courtesy of David Wright.
Photo 08_06_016847 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-30/31 578k Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1923.
From left to right: Utah (BB-31), battleship of the Virginia class {either the Virginia (BB-13) or the New Jersey (BB-16)}, and what might be the Birmingham (CL-2).
Photo i.d. courtesy of Aryeh Weterhorn. (USN & Israeli Navy, Retired).
Photo # 08_06_016895 from the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones collection, courtesy of Kate Monea, Archivist, USS Constitution Museum.
BB-13 Virginia479kFive photo PDF of the Virginia (BB-13) sinking after use as a bombing target, near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 5 September 1923.Photos courtesy of wordforge.net via Austin Oliver.
BB-13NRBOMB FROM THE AIR WRECKS BATTLESHIP.
Two of the old vessels of the Navy were used as targets by aviators from Langley Field, Va destroyed off Cape Hatters yesterday. The ships, New Jersey (BB-16) & Virginia (BB-13) were sunk. The above photograph shows the effect of a directs hit of a six hundred pound bomb on the Virginia, the explosive being dropped from ten thousand feet in the air.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star.[volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 07 September 1923, Image 17, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-13 Virginia128kBattleship Virginia (BB-13) bell in its new home.
A Marine rings the bell of Battleship Virginia at the Marine Barracks in the Navy Yard, 15 September 1932.
Photo courtesy of the George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs @ digital.library.temple.edu
(NISMF)371kA guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991. USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
BB-13 Virginia131kRemains of the Virginia (BB-13) rests in approximately 390 feet of water off North Carolina, though the washout around the bow approaches 420 feet in depth.Photo & text courtesy of uwex.us

Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Schroeder, Seaton, USN (USNA 1868) :RADM07.05.1906 - 04.04.08
02CAPT. Sharp, Alexander, USN (USNA 1875) :RADM04.04.1908 - 08.01.1910
03CAPT. Glennon, James Henry, USN (USNA 1874) :RADM08.01.1910 - 10.03.1911
04CDR. Pollock, Edwin Taylor, USN (USNA 1891)10.03.1911 - 28.12.1911
05CAPT. McDonald, John Daniel, USN (USNA 1884) :RADM28.12.1911 - ?
06CAPT. Jackson, Richard Harrison, USN (USNA 1887) :RADM00.00.1915 - 03.06.1917
07CAPT. Ziegemeier, Henry Joseph, USN (USNA 1890) :RADM03.06.1917 - 16.07.1919
08CAPT. Standley, William Harrison, USN (USNA 1895) :ADM16.07.1919 - 00.07.1920
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler

Additional Virginia Images
4 General Views Of Virginia From The Library Of Congress Server.

USS VIRGINIA BB-13 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)

Crew Contact And Reunion Information
Not Applicable To This Ship
Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Battleship Pages By Andrew Toppan.
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